Kindergarten and gradual entry!

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten this year? Welcome!

In SD83, Kindergarten children are welcomed into their new school at the beginning of September by their classroom teacher and other key staff members, including our StrongStart educators, using the Gradual Entry model. Students will attend in small groups and/or for shorter periods of time. The gradual entry process helps support a smooth and successful transition into Kindergarten.

Teachers will be introducing children to classroom routines and procedures and helping the students adjust to the new social and emotional realities of school, in addition to COVID-19 safety protocols. This year, Gradual Entry will take place from Thursday, September 8th to Friday, September 16th. Schools will be reaching out to Kindergarten families with their school-specific Gradual Entry schedule prior to school start-up.

Also, all parents of Kindergarten students will be invited to complete the CHEQ questionnaire during the first week of school. The CHEQ is a questionnaire completed by parents and caregivers at the start of the Kindergarten school year. It helps teachers, school administrators, and community partners provide and improve targeted supports for children and families. The CHEQ is used to:

• Develop district and community-wide programs and policies;
• Better understand the early experiences of children and families; and
• improve classroom planning and school programming. 

The CHEQ includes questions about children’s experiences with language and numeracy, nutrition and sleep habits, activities at home and in the community, and access to and use of resources and services. Please reach out to Val Edgell, District Principal – K to 12 Instruction, at (250) 804-5733 if you have any questions.